Mobile casting apparatus



Dec. 5, 1961 E. FRY ETAL ,0

MOBILE CASTING APPARATUS '7 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 4, 1958 INVENTORS ELWOOD FRY HENRY I- FASENMYE-E.

- I BY ATTQQNE'YQ Dec. 5, 1961 E. FRY ETAL MOBILE CASTING APPARATUS 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 4, 1958 E. FRY ETAL MOBILE CASTING APPARATUS Dec. 5', 1961 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed April 4, 1958 INVENTORS ELWOOD max HENRY J-FASENMYEE,

BY Y

mm rmn-orau'evs Dec. 5, 1961 E. FRY EIAL 3,011,241

MOBILE CASTING APPARATUS Filed April 4, 1958 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTORS E LWOOD 2v HENZV 3'- FASENMYEE. BY

ATTOBNEY$ Dec. 5, 11961 E. FRY ETAL MOBILE CASTING APPARATUS 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed April 4, 1958 III INVENTORS ELWOQD FRY HENRY FASENMYER.

ATTQRN E-YS Dec. 5, .1961 FRY ETAL 3,011,241

MOBILE CASTING APPARATUS Filed April 4, 1958 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTORS E'LWOOD :RY

ATTORNEYS HENRY If. FASEN MYER.

Dec. 5, 1961 E. FRY EI'AL 3,011,241

MOBILE CASTING APPARATUS Filed April 4, 1958 7 Sheets-Sheet '7 INVENTORj ELWOOD FRY uemzv :r. .FASEN MYEZ 7//W /W #QM ATTORNEYS 3,011,241 MGBILE CASTING APPARATUS Elwood Fry, 25 'Hillview Drive, and Henry J. Fasenmyer, 34 Warren Blvd, both of Warren, Pa. Filed Apr. 4, 1958, Ser. No. 726,552 2 Claims, (CI. 25-41) The present invention appertains to improvements in casting or molding machines or apparatus and particularly relates to a new and novel movable or mobile casting or molding machine.

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a mobile casting or molding machine which is selfsuficient for the casting or molding of any desired part and for the delivery of such part, after molding, onto the ground and for the forward movement'of the machine to a new position, prior to the casting or molding operation of a subsequent part.

Another important object of the present invention is to provide a compact and eflicient molding or casting machine which is automatic in operation and which particularly includes a molding or casting mechanism that is operable to receive the material, retain the material until the work is cast and then discharge the cast piece, such casting or molding apparatus being operative, subsequent to the discharge of the molded or casted work to actuate an operating means for moving the entire casting or molding apparatus.

Another important object of the present invention is to provide a mobilcapparatus which includes a movable form or forms that are automatically movable from a molding position under a means that delivers a measured amount of molding material from a hopper carried by the machine to the form or forms, into a position, after the material has set, for. depositing the casted or molded work onto the ground.

A further important object of the present invention is to provide means, responsive to the movement of the form or forms from a position of depositing the casted or molded work onto the ground to a position for receiving another amount of material to be formed, for moving the entire machine into a new position.

Generally speaking, the present invention comprehends the provision of a mobile apparatus, which is designed to be moved upon the automatic ejection 'of acasted or molded article, into a new position prior to the molding of a subsequent article. Thus, the apparatus is designed to move into new positions, before the molding operation takes place, so that the subsequently casted or molded articles can be depositedv on the ground or upon any other supporting surface. The apparatus is self-suificient in that it carries its own supply of casting or molding material and is designed so as-to deliver ameasured amount of such material into a form or forms which are mounted on the apparatus and controlled so as to receive the material, retain the material until the article is cast or molded and then eject the casted or molded article onto the ground or other supporting surface. A meritorious feature of the apparatus resides in the provision of means responsive to the movement of the form or forms from a work-ejecting position into a position for receiving a further measured amount of material, for moving the machine into a new position.

The form or forms are mounted for movement from a vertical position, underlying a material delivery means, into an inverted position for ejecting the casted or molded article onto the ground. Thus, the complete form or forms move in a curvilinear path from an upright vertical position, beneath a material delivery means, into an inverted, vertical position for ejecting the casted or molded article or articles onto thegroundor other supporting surface. In such position, the form or forms 3,611,241 Patented Dec. 5, 1961 are designed so that the walls thereof will open to permit the discharge or ejection of the formed articles.

The forming material is carried in a hopper, which is mounted on the machine in a fixed position. A feed box cooperates with the hopper to receive a measured amount of material and then to move into a delivery position overlying the form or forms, which are then in an upstanding vertical position for receiving the material. Compacting and vibrating means is provided, in operative association with the form or forms, for compacting and vibrating the material into shape.

After the material is set and the article is molded or cast, the form or forms are moved by a power means through an arc of approximately 180 into an inverted, vertical position. Means is operatively provided, in association with the form or forms, when in such position, for ejecting or discharging the formed or cast article from the form or forms. In this regard, means is provided whereby the walls of the form or forms, swing apart so as to permit the casted or formed article or articles to be more easily discharged from the form or forms onto the ground or other supporting surface.

As the form or forms are then swung to their position for receiving the material fr'omthe feed boX, means is provided, responsive to such swinging or curvilinear movement of the form or forms, for moving the entire machine or apparatus into a new position.

The machine or apparatus is particularly designed to make articles or parts of any and all shapes and to deposit the finished or molded parts onthe ground or other supporting surface to cure, without the need for a form or support, after the parts or articles are deposited onto the ground.

These and ancillary objects are attained by this invention, the preferred embodiment of which is set forth in the following description and illustrated in the accompanving drawings, wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of the molding or casting apparatus of the present invention and illustrates the form or forms in a casting position, underlying the feed box; v j

FIGURE 2 is a rear elevational view of the machine;

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of one of the articles or work that is cast or molded by the machine. While, in the presentinstance, the work or article is in the form of a septic tank, this is merely for the purpose of illustration since any desired article or work can be cast by the machine, the size, shape and dimensions thereof be:

ing governed by the particular form or forms which is used;

FIGURE 4 isa side elevational-view of the machine, showing the form or forms in the inverted, vertical poe sition for the ejection or discharge of the molded articles or work onto the ground;

FIGURE 5 is a horizontal, longitudinal sectional view taken on line 5-5 of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 6 is a vertical, cross sectional view taken on line 66 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 7 is a detailed longitudinal sectional view taken on line 77 of FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 8 is a detail, vertical sectional view taken on line 8-8 of FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 9 is a view similar to FIGURE 8 and showing the walls of the form in open position for the discharge of the molded or cast work orarticle;

FIGURE 10 is a detailed, transverse vertical sectional view taken on line 10-10 of FIGURE 9;

FIGURE ll is an enlarged detailed View of the ratchet operating means for moving the entire machine forwardly, responsive to the movement of the form or forms from a work-ejecting position into a material-receiving 3 position, and is taken substantially on the line 11-11 of FIGURE 5, and

FIGURE 12 is a detailed vertical sectional view taken on line 12-12 of FIGURE 11.

Referring now more particularly to the accompanying drawings, the reference numeral 15) generally designates the mobile casting machine or apparatus of the present invention. The machine includes a base frame 12, which is composed of longitudinally extending parallel I beams 14 and 16, which seat on an axle 18. The stub ends of the axle rotatably support ground-engaging wheels 2%. A front axle 22 is connected by U-bolts 24 to the eye beams and rotatably supports ground-engaging wheels 26.

A vertical frame 28 upstands from the eye beams and includes vertical bars 30, which are braced by diagonal brace bars 32, having suitable auxiliary bracing 34.

A pair of longitudinally extending angle irons 36 and 38 are fixed to the upright frame structure 28 in any suitable fashion and are disposed so that they extend in spaced-apart, parallel relationship. At their forward ends, suitable cross bracing is provided for the angle irons and a stationary hopper 42 is supported by the angle irons. The hopper 42, in the herein disclosed form of this invention, is formed with two separate outlet chutes 44, due to the fact that two separate and distinct molds or forms are provided. In this respect, the invention, as herein disclosed, is designed for the molding or castingor a septic tank 46, as illustrated in FIGURE 3. The tank 46 includes a box-like body portion 48, having upstanding side and end walls '0, some of which are provided with openings 52 for the reception of pipe ends. A cover or lid 54 is provided. The box-like body portion 48 and the cover or lid 54 are simultaneously molded or cast and then deposited on the ground or other supporting surface, as will be described. a

A feed box 56 is provided and is adapted to convey a measured amount of the material from the stationary hopper 42 to the forms or molds, as will be described. The feed box 56 is supported by upstanding arms or standards 58, that carry laterally outstanding stub axles 60. Rollers 62 are rotatably mounted on the axles and roll on the upper edges of the vertical flanges 64 of the angle irons 36 and 38, such vertical flanges constituting trackways for the flanged rollers. Thus, the feed box is mounted for rectilinear movement from a position underlying the outlet chutes 44 of the hopper 42 into a position overlying the molds, as will be described.

Power actuated means is provided for reciprocating the feed box 56, which is composed of side walls 66 and internal partition walls 69. The partition walls 69 are provided, due to the individual forms. On the front wall 661: of the feed box a striker plate 68 is provided. The plate 68 is provided to close off the mouths of the outlet chutes 44 of the hopper 42, when the feed box is in its rearward position, out of alignment with the outlet and 16. The shaft 88 extends across the machine and has operating arms 92 fixed-thereon and connected by links 94 to the feed box 56. The links 94 are pivotally connected between the operating arms 92 and the opposing sides of the feed box. The cylinder 74 may be hydraulically or pneumatically actuated and, for this purpose, a reservoir 96 for the actuating fluid is mounted on the frame 12. Within a suitable housing 98, that is mounted on the frame 12, the conventional motor, pump and other operating elements of the hydraulic or pneumatic system are disposed. Hand actuated control valves 100 are provided for operating the cylinder 74 and the other hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders, which are a part of the operating mechanism of the machine, as will be described.

In connection with the operation of the cylinder 74, attention is directed to FIGURES 1 and 4 for an understanding of the various operating arms and links which control the reciprocatory movement of the feed box. In the position, illustrated in FIGURE 1, the feed box overlies the molds or forms for the discharge of the material into the molds or forms. In a position, illustrated in FIGURE 4, the feed box underlies the outlet chutes 44 of the hopper 42 for the reception of the molding material from the hopper.

.It can be seen that upon the actuation of the cylinder 74, considering the position of FIGURE 4, the arm 36 r is moved downwardly in a counterclockwise direction to chutes 44 and in vertical alignment with the molds, as

will be described.

A platform 70 is provided, beneath the outlet chutes 44 of the hopper and in vertically spaced relationship therewith, the platform being spaced below the mouths of the outlet chutes a distance sufficient to' receive the reciprocating feed box. The platform 70 is supported by standards 72, which are mounted on the frame 12 in any suitable fashion.

The power operating means for reciprocating the feed box 56 on the track 64 includes a cylinder 74, which has an apertured pivot car 76 on its upper closed end. The ear 76 is pivotally attached by means of a pivot pin 78 to a mounting earth) that is carried by a support webbing 82, which is mounted on the framework 28 in any suitable fashion. A piston rod 84 operatively extends through the lower end of the cylinder and is pivotally attached to an arm 86. The arm 86 is fixed to a shaft 88, which extends transversely of the machine and is rotatably mounted in suitable pillow blocks 90 that are fixed on the beams 14 rotate the shaft $8, whereupon the operatingarrns 92 are moved in a similar counterclockwise direction to impart a thrust on the links 94 which, in turn, move the feed box rearwardly from the outlet chutes 44 of the hopper. As the feed box moves rearwardly, the plate 68 closes off the open lower ends of the outl t chutes to prevent the discharge of the material from the hopper. In the position of the feed box, as illustrated in FIGURE 1, the lower open end of the feed box rests on the platform 70 so that the material is prevented from accidentally flowing out of the feed box.

A mold box 102 is provided for supporting the mold or form, as will be described, and is mounted for pivotal movement on the frame 12. The mold box 102 may be of any desired shape and, as illustrated, is rectangular in plan view so that it includes side walls 1114 and 106, which are connected by end walls 108, as shown in FIGURE 5. The side walls 104 and 196 are provided with laterally outstanding stub shafts or journals that are rotatably mounted ,in bearing blocks 112 which are suitably fastened on the beams 14 and 16 of the frame 12. The stub shafts 110 are provided with sprockets 114 that are fixedly circumposed on their outer ends and. are engaged by chains 116.

The chains 116, which are provided on the opposing sides of the frame 12, connect the sprockets 114 to sprockets 118, which are fixedly oircumposed on the opposing ends of a shaft 126. The shaft 124: is rotatably mounted in bearing blocks 122 that are fixed on the beams 14 and 16 of the frame 12. The shaft has one end projecting beyond one of the wheels 20 and such projecting end has a sprocket 124 fixed thereon.

The chains 116 are adapted, upon rotation of the shaft 120, to swing the mold box 102 from the position, shown in FIGURE 1, to the position shown in FIGURE 4. In the position shown in FIGURE 1, the mold box underlies the feed box for receiving the material, while in the position shown in FIGURE 4, the mold box is in a position to discharge or eject the cast or formed articles or parts.

To rotate the shaft 124}, a hydraulically or pneumatical ly operated cylinder 126 is provided. The closed upper end of the cylinder is provided with an apertured ear 128, whereby the cylinder is pivotally attached by a pivot pin 130 to a supporting ear 132, which is carried by a webbing 134 on one side of the vertical frame 28. The piston rod 136 of the cylinder is pivotally attached at its outer clevised end 138- to an actuating arm 148. The arm 148 is fixed on the shaft 120, whereby the movements of the piston rod 136are transmitted to the shaft 120. Thus, upon actuation of the hand control 108 for the cylinder 126, a valve means is operated to control the strokes of the piston rod 136 to rotate the shaft 120 in clockwise and counterclockwise directions. Upon rotation of the shaft 120, the chains 116 are operative to transmit the rotary motion of the shaft to the stub axles 118 and produce a curvilinear movement of the mold box 102.

An important feature of the present invention resides in the provision, responsive to the movement of the mold box in a clockwise direction for receiving a new supply of material to be molded or cast, of means for moving the entire machine or apparatus forwardly. In this regard, the sprocket 124, as shown more particularly in FIGURES 11 and 12, has a drive chain 142 entrained thereon, the chain .124 being connected to a sprocket wheel 144, which is suitably attached toone of the rear wheels 28. The sprocket wheel 124, as shown in FIG- URES 11 and 12, is freely rotatable on the shaft 120 and has a ratchet Wheel 1146 fixed to its outer face by fasteners 148. An arm 150 is fixed to the outer end of the shaft 128 by key means 152 and carries a dog 154, which is adapted to engage with the teeth of the ratchet wheel 146 when the shaft is moved in a counterclockwise direction. By such means, the counterclockwise directional movement of the mold box produces a rotational movement of the sprocket Wheel 124- and a resulting movement of the chain 142, so that the sprocket wheel 144 is rotated to provide a propulsion force for producing the forward movement of the machine or apparatus.

As disclosed herein, the mold box 182 is composed of two separate and distinct molds or forms, which are particularly provided for casting or forming the boxlike body portion 46 and the lid S4of the septic tank, as shown in FIGURE 3. However, it is to be understood that the mold box may be composed of one or any number of molds of varying sizes, types and the like which would alter the construction of the hopper 42 and the feed box 56. In any event, the mold box would be pivotally mounted on the frame 12 and would be operated in the sense of being moved from a materialreceiving position under the feed box to a work or article discharge or ejecting position, as above described and illustrated.

With regard to the embodiment herein disclosed, the mold box includes a pair of molds 156 and 15-8. The molds are supported by a supporting frame 160 that extends transversely of the mold box and is suitably attached thereto. The mold 156, which is particularly designed to form the lid 54- of the septic tank 46, includes a rectangular body portion 162 that is suitably aflixed to the frame portion 168. A plate 164, which forms an adjustable bottom wall for the body portion 162 of the mold, is adjustably mounted within the body portion and is provided with a tubular attaching portion 166 that is telescopically disposed within a tubular member 168. The tubular member 168 is suitably fastened within a collar 170 that is bolted to the frame member 168. A set screw 172 or similar member is provided for securing the tubular rnembers'in adjusted relation, whereby the depth of the core is determined. A vibrator 174, which may be suitably operated, is mounted on the inside of the plate 164 and is housed within the tubular member 166 so as to transmit vibrations to the plate 164-. By adjusting the tubular members 166 and 168-, in their telescopic relation, the thickness of the cover or lid '4 can be controlled.

The mold 158 includes movable side walls 176, which 180, which is particularly designed and shaped, in relationship with the walls 176 so as to control the thickness of the side walls of the body portion 48'of the septic tank 46.

The frame member 160 supports a pair of tubular guide members 182 at its outer ends, the guide members being arranged perpendicular thereto and slidably receiving, in a telescopic fashion, guide tubes 184. The guide tubes 184 are mounted on the ends of a cross bar 186, which is disposed parallel to'and cooperatively arranged with the frame member 160. The cross bar 18-6 and its associated guide elements 1.84 is provided for moving the core element 180 out of the cast or formed body portion 48 of the septic tank and for moving the walls 176 of the mold 158 away from the formed walls of the tank so as to permit an easy and ready discharge or ejection of the body portion from the mold. I

The core 188 of the mold 158 is hollow and includes a bottom wall 190 and side walls 1%. Adjustable plate elements 194 constitute the top wall of the core and serve as the means for attaching the core to the channel cross arm 186. Vibrators 196 are suitably mounted on the bottom wall 190 and housed within the interior of the core.

The side walls 176 of the mold 158 are formed on their exterior surfaces with laterally outstanding ribs 198,-

which extend from the base flanges208 of the side walls to a point adjacent the upper end thereof. The ribs are apertured to receive rods, 282 which are rotatably mounted in ears '2114- that are provided on the frame member 160. In this fashion, the side walls 176 are pivotally attached to the frame member 160 so as to be swung to an open position, as illustrated in FIGURE 10.

Means is provided for moving the core 180 upwardly outof the cast or formed body portion 48 and for simultaneously swinging the walls 176 away from the walls 59 of such cast article. Such means includes a cylinder 206 which has an apertured ear 208 provided on its upper closed end and pivotally attached to a bracket 210 that upstands from the cross arm 186. The piston rod 212 of the cylinder is pivotally attached by a pivot pin 214 to a pair of ears 216 which are formed on the frame member 160.

Upon actuation of the cylinder, through one of the control handles 100, that controls the valve mechanism for .such cylinder, the piston rod is extended therefrom and causes the cross arm 186 to move upwardly. Such movement is guided by the tubular guides 182 and 184 and, during such movement, the core is moved upwardly out of the formed or cast body portion 48. During such movement, the side walls 176 are swung outwardly about their pivot points 178. Such outward swinging movement of the walls is achieved by virtue of chains .or similar flexible elements 218, which are con-' nected between the core 180 and laterally outstanding fingers 220 provided on the upper ends of the walls.

Thus, as the piston rod 212 is extended from the cylinder 28.6, the core 180 is stripped from the interior of the cast body portion 48 and simultaneously the walls 176 are swung outwardly so as to release the body por- I tion.

During such movement of the core and the walls, the cover or lid 54 is resting on the ground and, due to its form and depth, it will naturally be free from the mold 156.

Because of the specific construction and formation of certain of the Walls 50 of the septic tank, that is, being provided with the pipe receiving openings 52, certain of the walls 176 are provided on their interior surfaces with protuberances 222, which ,form the openings in the walls, as clearly illustrated in FIGURE 10.

Means is provided for tamping or compressing the cementitious material, in cooperation with the vibrating means. Such tamping means includes a cross framework .224 that is mounted on and supported by the vertical framework 28. A pair of tubular guides 226 depend URES 7-10.

from the cross framework 224 and slidably support the tubular body portions 228 of tamping or compressing elements 230. A suitable reinforcing or rigidifying webbing 232 is connected between the tamping elements 230 and is formed between the tubular guides 26, with a pair of apertured ears 234 that pivotally receive the outer end of a piston rod 236. The piston rod is slidably and sealingly extended from the lower end of a cylinder 238 which has its upper end pivoted as at 241 to the cross framework 224. The cylinder 23% is connected, by way of suitable hoses or lines, to one of the control levers 1% which control the valve means that is interposed between the cylinder and the pump and reservoir for the actuating fluid.

In operation, the desired mold or form is mounted in the mold box 192 and, dependent upon the particular mold, form or the likeand dependent upon the number thereof, the particular hopper 42 is mounted on the framework 4@. In this regard, if more than one mold is to be used, then the hopper will be provided with more than one outlet chute. The number of outlet chutes and the number of openings in the feed box 56 will be governed by the number of molds.

With the septic tank 46, as disclosed herein, in mind, the operation of the machine will be described.

In operation, the hopper 42 will be filled to capacity with the cementitious material, such as concrete. An

operator will then control the control levers 11M) or, within the purview of the present invention, means will be provided for effecting a sequential and automatic operation of the machine, after it is initially placed in operation. With an operator, the first step in the operation of the machine will be the movement of the feed box to a position underlying the delivery chute 4-4 of the hopper 42. In such position, the feed box will receive the cementitious material, until the feed box is filled to capacity. The material cannot gravitate out of the box because of the fact the the box is resting on the platform 70, as it receives the material from the hopper 42.

The feed box is then moved rearwardly of the machine, traveling on the rails 64, under the operation of the cylinder 74. As the feed box is moved into its delivery posi 1 tion, the striker plate 68 closes off the mouths of the delivery chutes 44 of the hopper 42 and, thus, retains the material within the hopper. During the movement of the feed box, the mold box 102 is already positioned in the position shown in FIGURE 1 so that the molds 156 and 158 underlie the feed box, as shown in FIGURE 6. In such position, the molds receive the material from the feed box. Simultaneously with the delivery of the material into the molds, the vibrators, which are operatively associated with the molds, are put in operation. After the delivery of the material into the molds, the tamping means is put in operation by actuating the cylinder 238 through its associated control lever 100. Thus, during the operation of the vibrating means, the tampers or compressors 231) are moved downwardly and upwardly into the molds so as to compress the material within the molds.

After a given period of time, dependent upon the type of material and the form of the molds, the tamping and vibrating operations are ceased. The mold box 162 is then moved into a delivery or discharging position. For effecting such movement of the mold box, the cylinder 126 is placed in operation through actuation of one of the control levers 0. Upon the actuation of the cylinder 126, the mold box is swung rearwardly through an arcuate path of approximately 180, as the shaft 120 is rotated to drive the chains 116 and, through the sprocket wheels 114, rotate the stub shafts 110.

The molds are thusly placed in the position shown in FIGURE 4 and more particularly illustrated in FIG- In such position, the cover or lid 54 of the tank is resting on the ground and will be easily ejected or disengaged from the mold 156, when the mold box 102 is moved into its material-receiving position. How-' ever, due to the design and form of the body portion 48,

the walls 55) will not be easily discharged from the mold 158. For this reason, the walls 176 of the mold 158 are mounted so that they swing outwardly away from the box-like body portion 48 so as to permit the body portion to be easily deposited on the ground, without any damage to the walls thereof. Upon the placement of the oower 54 upon the ground or other supporting surface and the associated placement of the bottom wall of the body portion upon the ground, the cylinder 2% is placed in operation through the use of one of the hand levers we. As the cylinder is placed in operation, the core is moved upwardly out of the formed body portion 48 and simultaneously therewith, because of the chains or similar flexible elements 218, the walls 176 are swung about their pivot points 178. This permits the release of the body portion 48 of the tank.

After the formed body portion 48 and cover lid 54 are freely deposited upon the ground or similar supporting surface, the cylinder 126 is actuated, by means of its control lever 100, so as to swing the entire mold box 102 back into a material-receiving position, which position is illustrated in FIGURE 1.

As the mold box is moved in a clockwise direction, the ratchet mechanism, which is illustrated in FIGURES 11 and 12, is placed in operation, so as to move the entire machine forwardly for a given distance. At that point, the feed box is moved to a position under the outlet chutes 44 of the hopper 42 so as to receive a new supply of material and the entire operation is repeated.

It is an important object of the present invention that the molding or casting of any given article or work can be carried on without any stationary form or pallet and in an automatic way. The molding or casting of any desired article can be automatically effected Within a minimum of time and, most importantly, the casted or molded article can be deposited on the ground or other supporting surface while the machine moves forwardly to cast or form another similar article and then to deposit it on the ground or, similar supporting surface.

Thus, the present invention envisions a self-sufiicient and automatically operating casting or molding machine which, as long as it contains a supply of casting or molding material, such as concrete, can operate to cast or mold any type of article or work and can deposit the casted or molded article or work on the ground or similar supporting surface, without requiring any stationary form or pallet.

While the molding or casting machine of the present invention has been specifically illustrated and described for forming septic tanks, it is to be understood that this is merely for exemplary purposes since the machine can operate to form any desired article or part, the only requirement being that the mold box be altered or the feed box and hopper be altered, attendant with the altering of the mold box, so as to meet the requirements of the dimensions, size or shape of any given particular article or work.

Thus, while the preferred embodiment of this invention has been illustrated and described herein, other forms may be realized as come within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a molding machine, a horizontal base frame, having forward and rear ends, an upstanding framework fixed on said base frame, a stationary hopper mounted on said framework having depending outlet chute means spaced above the base frame, a forwardly and rearwardly slidable open feed box mounted on said framework to move horizontally from a forward charging position beneath said chute means to a rearward discharging position spaced rearwardly from said chute means, a stationary platform mounted on the base frame below in vertical alignment with said chute means and on a level to close the bottom of the feed box while the feed box is beneath said chute means, a mold box assembly pivotally mounted on the base frame at a location behind the platform and the chute means, said mold box being swingable rearwardly from an erect material receiving position beneath the feed box, in the discharge position of the feed box, to an inverted gravity discharge position, first operating means mounted on the base frame and connected to the feed box for moving said feed box rearwardly and forwardly, and second operating means mounted on the base frame and connected to the mold box for swinging said mold box between its erect and inverted positions, said mold box assembly comprising a horizontal plate having opening means therein, open top mold means secured in said opening means and extending below said plate, said mold meanshaving opposed swingable sidewalls, means pivoting said sidewalls at their upper ends to said plate, said mold box assembly having sidewall spreading means connected to the sidewalls at their upper ends, said spreading means comprising a cross member overlying and spaced above said plate, means flexibly connecting said cross member to the swingable sidewalls, and third operating means connected to said cross member for elevating and depressing said member relative to the plate, guide means for said cross member mounted on said mold box, elevation of said cross member relative to the plate producing outward swinging of the sidewalls for releasing molded article means from said mold form means in the inverted position of the mold box assembly, said mold form means further comprising core means mounted on said cross member in alignment with the open top of the mold form means. i

2. A mold box assembly comprising a horizontal plate having opening means therein, open top mold means secured in said opening means and extending below said plate, said mold means having opposed swingable sidewalls, means pivoting said sidewalls at their upper ends to said plate, said mold box assembly having sidewall spread ing means connected to the sidewalls at their upper ends, said spreading means comprising a cross member overlying and spaced about said plate, means flexibly connecting said cross member to the swingable sidewalls, and third operating means connected to said cross member for elevating and depressing said member relative to the plate, guide means for said cross member mounted on said framework, elevation of said cross member relative to the plate producing outward swinging of the sidewalls for releasing molded article means from said mold form means in the inverted position of the mold box assembly, said mold form means further comprising core means mounted on said cross member in alignment with the open top of the mold form means.

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